Be an eagle—not a duck

A few days ago, I got into a taxi… and experienced something I won’t forget

The moment the car pulled up, I was surprised—it was spotless, polished, like it had just come out of a car wash. The driver stepped out right away and opened the door for me. Crisp white shirt, pressed slacks, even a tie.

— Hi, I’m Will—your driver, he said with a friendly smile. While I load your bags, feel free to take a look at this card.

It was a laminated card that read:

“My mission: to get my clients to their destination quickly, safely, and efficiently—while creating a welcoming and comfortable experience.”

I was impressed. But that was just the beginning.

— Would you like some coffee? he asked.

— Maybe something cold, I replied with a smile.

— Got that too, he said, opening a small cooler filled with water, juices, and soft drinks.

Then he offered me a newspaper or magazine, pointed out the radio options, and asked if I preferred the AC warmer or cooler. He even asked whether I’d like to chat or just enjoy a quiet ride.

At that point, I wasn’t sure if I was in a regular cab… or some kind of VIP service.

I asked him: — Have you always worked like this?

His answer stayed with me:— No. I used to be like everyone else—complaining about traffic, customers, the weather… life in general. Then one day I heard a speaker say: “You choose what kind of day you’re going to have. Stop complaining. Be an eagle, not a duck. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles fly high—quietly, with focus.”

— That’s when I decided to change. I started small. I started respecting my customers. And little by little… everything changed.

He went on:— In my first year as an “eagle,” I doubled my income. Now I’ve quadrupled it. I don’t sit around waiting at taxi stands anymore—people call me directly, book me by text. And if I’m busy, I recommend another driver… another eagle.

That ride gave me more than transportation.

It gave me a lesson.

It’s not just what you do—it’s how you do it.

It doesn’t matter if you work with paperwork, your hands, people, or something bigger than yourself.

The real question is: Do you choose to fly… or stay on the ground complaining?

Because some people just make noise. And others… choose to rise.


Adapted from the story shared by Motorland via Facebook posting on Friday, 27 March 2026.

Nomiyama 

End©Permadu

Visit Permadu Malaysia blog at permadumalaysia.blogspot.com


Adapted by Fauzi Kadir
Chief Editor

Assistant Editor
Kwai Fong Chin


Final editing and brought to you by
Fauzi Kadir CHIEF EDITOR

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